by: Chris Andrews

15 Must-Try Dishes in Mobile, Alabama

Looking for the best food in Mobile, AL? This historic city is known for its rich culinary traditions, from fresh Gulf seafood to legendary Southern comfort food. Whether you’re craving a classic Dew Drop Inn hot dog or a Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives-featured burrito, these 15 must-try dishes will take you on a true Mobile foodie adventure!

1. Fresh Gulf Oysters – A Mobile Classic

📍 Wintzell’s Oyster House

A visit to Mobile isn’t complete without fresh Gulf oysters, and no place does them better than Wintzell’s Oyster House. Serving oysters fried, stewed, or nude since 1938, this iconic spot has been a staple for generations. Whether you like them raw on the half shell or chargrilled with buttery perfection, you haven’t truly experienced Mobile’s food scene until you’ve had oysters at Wintzell’s.

2. West Indies Salad – A True Mobile Original

📍 Felix’s Fish Camp

If there’s one dish that defines Mobile’s culinary history, it’s the West Indies Salad. Created right here in Mobile, this dish is a simple yet flavorful mix of lump crab meat, onion, vinegar, and oil, all served chilled over crisp iceberg lettuce. While Bayley’s Restaurant was the birthplace of this Gulf Coast staple, today, Felix’s Fish Camp offers one of the most authentic versions in town.

3. The Legendary Bacon Cheeseburger

📍 Callaghan’s Irish Social Club

While Mobile is famous for seafood, locals will tell you that one of the best bites in the city isn’t seafood at all—it’s the bacon cheeseburger from Callaghan’s. Voted “The South’s Favorite Bar” by Garden & Gun, Callaghan’s serves up a juicy, perfectly grilled burger with thick-cut bacon, melted cheese, and all the fixings. Pair it with a cold beer and live music for the ultimate experience.

4. The Original Dew Drop Inn Hot Dog

📍 Dew Drop Inn

Since 1924, the Dew Drop Inn has been serving one of the most legendary hot dogs in the South. Their signature “all the way” dog is topped with a unique combination of chili, sauerkraut, ketchup, and mustard. It’s a Mobile institution that has stood the test of time, making it a must-try for visitors and locals alike.

5. Mo’Bay Beignet – A Sweet Mobile Tradition

📍 Mo’Bay Beignet Co.

New Orleans may be known for beignets, but Mobile is giving them a run for their money! Mo’Bay Beignet Co. has quickly become a local favorite, offering pillowy soft beignets drizzled with signature syrups for an extra indulgent touch. Whether you go with the classic powdered sugar or try their famous buttercream syrup, this is a must-have dessert in Mobile. This is a favorite dessert on our Downtown Mobile Food Tour!

6. Award-Winning Alabama BBQ

📍 MeatBoss

When it comes to barbecue in Alabama, North Alabama usually gets the attention, but MeatBoss in Mobile is changing that. Featured in Travel + Leisure’s “Best BBQ in the US” and on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, this spot serves up tender pulled pork, smoky beef brisket, and fall-off-the-bone ribs. Customize your plate with house-made sauces and Southern-style sides for the full experience.

7. Seafood Gumbo – A Gulf Coast Staple

📍 The Royal Scam

No visit to Mobile is complete without a steaming bowl of seafood gumbo. At The Royal Scam, this award-winning dish is loaded with fresh Gulf shrimp, crab, and oysters, simmered to perfection in a rich, flavorful roux. It’s no surprise that locals have voted it the best gumbo in Mobile—and once you try it, you’ll see why.

8. Cheese & Charcuterie Perfection

📍 The Cheese Cottage

For cheese lovers, The Cheese Cottage is a dream come true. This charming spot offers over 100 cheeses from around the world, but their signature cheese and charcuterie board is the ultimate indulgence. With a mix of hand-selected cheeses, cured meats, jams, and house-made accompaniments, it’s the perfect shareable dish for an afternoon in downtown Mobile.

9. Crawfish & Spinach Dip – The Ultimate Game Day Snack

📍 Heroes Sports Bar & Grille

If you’re looking for Mobile’s best game-day appetizer, the crawfish & spinach dip at Heroes Sports Bar is a must-try. This creamy, cheesy dip is packed with tender crawfish tails and served with warm, fluffy pita bread for dipping. It’s a fan-favorite dish that keeps sports lovers and foodies coming back for more.

10. The Redneck Gyro – A Southern Twist on a Classic

📍 Mediterranean Sandwich Co.

Take a classic Greek gyro, give it a Deep South makeover, and you’ve got The Redneck Gyro at Mediterranean Sandwich Co.. This unique dish swaps traditional lamb for Alabama’s famous Conecuh sausage, adding a punch of Cajun spice, smoked Gouda, and creamy tzatziki sauce. One bite, and you’ll understand why this sandwich has a cult following in Mobile.

11. Decadent Pastries & Baked Goods

📍 Dropout Bakery & Co.

One of Mobile’s newest hidden gems, Dropout Bakery & Co. is a must-visit for coffee and pastry lovers. Known for their fresh croissants, homemade pop-tarts, and innovative treats, this bakery is quickly becoming a local favorite.

12. Surf & Turf Burrito – A Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Favorite

📍 Roosters

Roosters in downtown Mobile gained national attention when their Surf & Turf Burrito was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Packed with grilled steak, shrimp, and house-made sauces, this burrito is a flavor explosion you don’t want to miss.

13. Hemingway Bowl – A Must-Try at Las Floriditas

📍 Las Floriditas

Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s love for Cuba, the Hemingway Bowl at Las Floriditas is a delicious blend of rice, black beans, grilled chicken, and Cuban-style mojo sauce. The speakeasy vibe makes it an unforgettable dining experience.

14. Crawfish Beignets – The Ultimate Gulf Coast Fusion

📍 Penton’s Bistro

If you love beignets and seafood, Penton’s Bistro has created the perfect dish. Their Crawfish Beignets blend crispy fried dough with a rich crawfish filling, combining Cajun flavors with a Southern classic.

15. Joe Cain Dip – A Local Favorite

📍 Dauphin’s

Named after the founder of Mobile’s Mardi Gras, the Joe Cain Dip at Dauphin’s is packed with Gulf Coast flavors. This creamy dip features local Conecuh sausage, roasted red peppers, and melted cheeses, making it the perfect appetizer to share.